Is Drywall Used For External Walls?

Dripboard is primarily used as an interior wall covering and can be used on exterior walls if it’s protected from moisture exposure or used as a base for other siding. Thicker drywall, such as 5/8-inch or 3/4-inch options, offers enhanced durability, insulation, soundproofing, moisture resistance, and fire resistance for exterior walls. However, drywall installation mistakes can be made, and these can be fixed before they occur again.

Exterior Gypsum Sheathing is a special-purpose drywall panel consisting of a moisture-resistant, noncombustible core covered by glass-mat facers on both fronts. It strengthens the wall system, provides a nailing base for the siding, and gives a layer of protection against outside elements. Exterior sheathing can be grouped into two categories: structural sheathing and non-structural sheathing, which can be used together or individually depending on the building.

Weather resistance is crucial for drywall, as it will be located outdoors and must endure harsh weather conditions all year round without becoming water damaged. PermaBase cement board is designed to be a weather-resistant cement board that withstands prolonged exposure to moisture.

Some county and cities have required fire-rated drywall on the exterior of homes being built, if the houses are within close proximity to water. Sheetrock can be installed outside in any condition or location, but it cannot be installed outside due to moisture. Cement board can work if that gives you the desired moisture resistance.

In this guide, we cover five types of drywall, including standard, moisture- and fire-resistant, soundproofing, and VOC-absorbing, and how to pick the best option for your project.

What material do you use for exterior walls?

Common exterior finishing materials include metal lath for portland cement, gypsum plaster, stucco, stone reinforcement, and ceramic tile. Expansion joints are used to attach parallel panels, allowing the final finish to naturally expand and contract without cracking. Drip flashing is used for stucco and stone veneer to allow moisture to escape the wall. Siding is the final layout on many buildings and comes in seven main types: Natural Stone Veneer, Vinyl/PVC, Fiber Cement, Composite, Brick, Wood, and Stucco.

Natural Stone Veneer is durable but heavy and expensive, while Vinyl/PVC is inexpensive and lightweight. Fiber Cement is durable but heavy and expensive, and Composite is engineered wood siding. Brick is low-maintenance but heavy and expensive, while Wood is durable but prone to pest and water damage.

Can drywall be used for exterior?

The author discusses the use of drywall as an exterior siding material, arguing against the use of stucco, fiber cement, engineered wood, or vinyl. They suggest installing exterior rated drywall like Densglass, taped with joint compound and Fibafuse, and painted with a few coats of paint. The author also mentions using drywall for patio ceilings and walls, but questions whether they should go with stucco due to the difficulty in finding contractors for small projects and the author’s personal limitations in building a house. The author believes that using drywall is a more suitable option for their needs.

Is drywall OK outside?

Dripboard, a hydroscopic material, can absorb moisture and should be stored indoors, ideally at a temperature below 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Gypsum board, a hydroscopic material, should not be exposed to high temperatures. The plastic shipping covering used for drywall during transit is not effective in protecting it from high-moisture environments, and may cause drywall to become stained, sag, or mold-prone. It is crucial to follow manufacturer recommendations for outdoor storage and remove the plastic cover when shipping drywall.

What type of drywall for exterior walls?

Purple board drywall exhibits high resistance to moisture and mold, rendering it an optimal choice for exterior applications in buildings and for use in fire-resistant construction.

How waterproof is drywall?

Drywall waterproofing is a myth, as drywall cannot truly be 100% waterproof. To achieve a waterproof wall and ceiling system without mold or mildew growth, one must opt for a PVC-based product like Trusscore Wall and CeilingBoard. Drywall is made from gypsum and paper cladding, which are highly absorbent materials. In humid rooms like basements, bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens, drywall can show signs of water damage.

When drywall gets wet, it causes walls to bubble, swell, and lose its structural integrity. The only solution is to replace the drywall, which is expensive and inconvenient. To avoid this, it is essential to choose a PVC-based product like Trusscore Wall and CeilingBoard.

Is there a difference drywall and Sheetrock?

Sheetrock is a popular drywall brand in the US, often used interchangeably with drywall. On the other hand, plaster walls are a traditional material made from gypsum, sand, and water, applied over a wire mesh or lath. They are durable and have a classic look, but are more time-consuming and labor-intensive to install. While plaster was used in older homes before drywall, it is now used in modern homes due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.

Sheetrock is rarely used in garages or finished basements, and experienced workers are easier to find. Other wall finishes include concrete, brick, and metal, which can complement your desired aesthetic.

Does drywall decompose outside?

The editor of Environmental Building News, A. Alex Wilson, advises against burying scrap drywall in a hole due to the potential release of hydrogen sulfide, a hazardous gas, under oxygen-depleted conditions. However, scrap drywall can be safely used as a soil amendment in oxygen-rich, active top few inches of soil if properly pulverized and applied. Drywall is composed of paper facings and gypsum, which is often used as a fertilizer, adding calcium and sulfur. The unbleached paper adds tilth to soil.

To avoid problems, only new (unpainted) drywall scrap should be used as a soil amendment. The drywall should be pulverized to allow rapid disintegration, with no pieces larger than 1/2 inch in diameter. Pulverized drywall can be spread on the soil surface or tilled into the top layer of soil, but should be spread evenly over the entire lot or area being seeded. Gypsum’s effect on soil quality varies depending on the type of soil, so it’s best to consult your county agricultural extension agent for guidance. Pulverized drywall should be applied to soil in areas with adequate drainage and aeration.

Lastly, it’s important to check if there are specific regulations in your area addressing the disposal of drywall scrap or if a permit is required for this practice.

What happens to drywall in the rain?

The process of diffusion causes immediate changes in the physical state of drywall, rendering it soft and less rigid, thereby increasing its vulnerability to damage. The longer the material is in a state of moisture, the greater the extent of damage that occurs. This includes a weakening of the structure and the growth of mold.

Can drywall mud be used outside?

Sheetrock® Brand Setting-Type Joint Compounds (Durabond® and Easy Sand™) are recommended for treating joints in exterior gypsum ceiling boards, as ready-mixed joint compound cannot be used on exterior applications. USG does not endorse the use of additives in USG joint compounds, as they can adversely affect the unique balance of performance attributes each compound is formulated to provide.

What is exterior drywall called?

Exterior Gypsum Sheathing is a water-resistant product used for attaching to exterior side-wall framing as an underlayment for various siding materials. It is made with a wax-treated, water-resistant core and water-repellent paper on both surfaces and long edges. Available in 1/2″ and 5/8″ thickness, it is suitable for fire-rated assemblies and contains no asbestos. American Gypsum’s gypsum wallboard is also available.

What is the best option for exterior walls?

This article provides a list of the top ten best exterior wall paints for exterior walls in India 2024. These paints are designed to withstand harsh climates and UV radiation, ensuring a long-lasting, smooth surface. The top ten paints are Berger Walmasta Antifungal, Apex Ultima Weather Proof, Berger Weather Coat Anti Dust Paint, Dr FixIt Raincoat, Ace by Asian Paints, Apex Weatherproof Paint, Dulux WeatherShield Max, and Indigo Exterior Emulsion Paint.

The paints are formulated to resist fading and mildew, and their essential components remain the same, regardless of their precise proportions. Investing in quality materials and labor ensures a superior finish and enhances and protects your home’s exterior appearance.